A GYMNASTICS club and a church group have joined forces to draw up plans for a new community centre.

St Mary's Church Hall, in Newton Road, Darlington, could be demolished and replaced with a two-storey, multi-purpose facility, with new halls, kitchens and office space.

The St Mary's Community Association originally drew up plans for a new centre in 2002 as part of the revamp of the neighbouring Cockerton CoE Primary School.

The proposals were put on hold when it emerged that there wasn't enough room for a new hall, but now the plan has been revived after Darlington Gymnastics Club added its support.

An application has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council to demolish the 1935 church hall, at the junction of Stooperdale Avenue and Newton Lane.

The existing 200 capacity building will be replaced with a facility incorporating a children's centre.